Bluetooth accessories have come a long way — here are our current favorites

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Nobody likes wires. They're things we tolerate, necessities that are there to facilitate the parts of technology that are actually exciting.

With Bluetooth, though, some gadgets are able to bypass the tangled cords entirely. We've tested and researched a ton of these accessories over the past year, and with the holiday season now upon us, we're ready to share our favorites. If you're looking for gear that'll feel more liberating — at least until its battery dies — here are some Bluetooth gift options, and our top picks within them.

Speakers

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The general quality of Bluetooth speakers has shot straight up over the last few years, and in many cases their inherent portability makes them more practical than the traditional alternatives. You can find more than a few very good ones for cheap, too.

Among those affordable options, I like the ultra-compact JBL Clip+ and its surprisingly strong sound for those on a very tight budget. The colorful and water-resistant UE Roll, meanwhile, is ideal for showers or taking to the road.

The JBL Flip 3 isn't as outdoorsy, but it's the most well-rounded and overall best-sounding choice for less than $100. If you can afford to double that, though, the Bose SoundLink Mini II is superlative in both build and performance.

As for speakers made for the home, the Marshall Action can put out lots of noise for a relatively affordable $200, and I enjoy its classic guitar amp aesthetic. And if money's no object, the Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Wireless is hands-down the most vivid Bluetooth speaker you can buy. That it looks like a miniature, well, zeppelin is likely to start a few conversations, too.

Headphones

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All other things equal, a pair of Bluetooth headphones still won't sound as nice as a wired equivalent most of the time — but again, the gap has noticeably lessened over time. Even then, the freer sense of movement that's present here might make any sonic deficiencies worth withstanding.

At the higher end, the V-Moda Crossfade Wireless is flashy, supremely sturdy, capable of working as a standard analog headphone when wired in, and fitted with a dynamic sound reminiscent of the popular Crossfade M-100.

Wireless headphones are naturally permissive to exercise, too. The Jaybird X2 get you the best blend of audio performance and durable, workout-friendly design. It also comes with a lifetime warranty for any sweat-related damages. Just be sure to watch Jaybird's tutorial on securing a good fit, first.

Fitness trackers

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As with smartwatches, there's no such thing as a universally recommendable fitness tracker just yet. The closest thing you can get to a "best" overall package, though, is the Fitbit Charge HR— it isn't outrageously expensive, but it is (relatively) accurate, its battery life is solid, it has heart-rate monitoring, and Fitbit's software suite is easy for most to read and process.

Keyboards

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If you'd like to make your tablet a little more conducive to getting things done, or you often find yourself working across multiple devices, you should look into a Bluetooth keyboard. The Logitech K380 isn't the best one out there, but for $40, its solid build, good looks, and relatively big keys make it the best value.

Game controllers

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Mobile games are always going to be made with mobile devices in mind, so the need for a console-style Bluetooth controller is inherently limited. Plus, actual support for them has been notoriously spotty. But if your iPad is holding, say, all the Grand Theft Auto games, or any console ports in general, they're going to save you many headaches.

In terms of feel and construction, neither the SteelSeries Nimbus nor the Mad Catz C.T.R.L.i (or C.T.R.L.R for Android and Windows) have any significant differences. The Nimbus' matte plastic is smoother and more understated than the Mad Catz' fingerprint-hungry gloss, but generally speaking, both get the job done. The difference is that the Nimbus has a rechargeable battery, whereas the Mad Catz requires AAs to work.

Audio adapters

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A couple months ago we sung the praises of the Google Chromecast Audio, which connects to a standard "dumb" speaker and allows you to stream music through it over WiFi. Because it uses WiFi, the audio pumped through it generally sounds crisper than that of most comparable Bluetooth audio dongles. Add the fact that it only costs $35, and I'd say that's what most people looking to smarten up their home audio devices should buy.

Car kits

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Finally, if you've ever wanted to put Bluetooth in your car — and thus blast calls and music from your phone out to your speakers — both the Mpow Streambot Y and the iClever Himbox are reliable ways to go. The latter is the preferred choice: It goes in a car's aux-in port, which is largely cleaner-sounding and more consistent.

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